Guterman, Jack

Operation Chastise (Dambusters Raid)

Date of birth:: August 1st, 1920 (Ramsgate/Kent, United Kingdom)
Date of death:: May 17th, 1943 (Hamm, Germany)
Buried on:: Commonwealth War Cemetery Reichswald Forest
Plot: 31. Row: F. Grave: 12.
Service number:: 1172550
Nationality:: British

Biography

Jack Guterman, born in Ramsgate, Kent on 1 August 1920, moved to Guildford with his family. His father, an accountant and First World War veteran, hailed from a Jewish family who fled Poland, while his mother was of Irish descent. Guterman attended Guildford Royal Grammar School before studying art in Andover, later working in his father’s accountancy practice.

Volunteering for the RAF, he trained as a wireless operator/air gunner, finishing in late 1941. He was posted to 207 Squadron in February 1942, flying operationally from June. He completed his tour in March 1943. Recommended for a DFM and could have taken an instructor role but instead volunteered for 617 Squadron.

An accomplished artist, Guterman took his painting supplies wherever he was stationed. He worked on a painting titled Gethsemane before the Dams Raid, calling it his potential masterpiece. His final letter on 16 May 1943 detailed a trip to Lincoln, reflecting his love of art and music.

As AJ-C’s wireless operator, Guterman received the message to attack the Lister Dam on 17 May. A second directive to divert to the Sorpe was never acknowledged—by then, the aircraft had been hit and was moments from crashing.

Originally buried by the Germans in Hamm, he and his crewmates were later reinterred in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

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Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Sergeant
Unit:: No. 207 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: 1943

"In both capacities [as air gunner and wireless operator], he has consistently shown the greatest enthusiasm, determination and efficiency. In the capacity of air gunner, Sergeant Guterman displays a fine fighting spirit, welcoming every opportunity to use his guns against the enemy. On one occasions when returning from Kassel, he successfully attacked light gun and searchlight positions from a low level. His courage, reliability and perseverance have made this airman a most valuable member of aircrew."